pflag Canada and Simon Fraser University establish the Aideen McKenna pflag Canada Leadership Award
New annual endowed award honours a beloved community advocate and supports undergraduate students advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ equity at SFU
pflag Canada and Simon Fraser University (SFU) are proud to announce the establishment of the Aideen McKenna pflag Canada Leadership Award — a new annual award that recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ and other gender- and sexually-diverse communities.
Made possible through a $40,000 endowment gift from pflag Canada, the award will provide a minimum of $2,000 annually in perpetuity to a full-time SFU undergraduate student in good academic standing who has made outstanding contributions to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community — whether at SFU or in the broader community.
Honouring a Legacy of Care and Community
The award is named in honour of Aideen McKenna, a deeply respected community advocate in Vancouver whose decades of dedication to pflag’s local chapter touched countless lives. A steady, compassionate presence for individuals and families navigating acceptance, identity, and belonging, Aideen helped create safer and more inclusive spaces, mentored volunteers, and strengthened the network of support for queer and trans communities across British Columbia.
This award carries forward her legacy — celebrating students who share her spirit of empathy, advocacy, and action.
“This award is a meaningful tribute to my mother’s impact on our community. I am grateful to the Vancouver donors who rallied around this scholarship and our Vancouver volunteers who fundraised to recognize her impact. pflag Canada is honoured to partner with Simon Fraser University to create a legacy in her name — one that will continue to uplift and empower students who are making a real difference for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their families.”
— Colin McKenna, Board Member, pflag Canada National Board of Directors
“We’re proud to partner with pflag Canada and thank them for this generous act of care. This new award will honour student leaders who are standing up for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities, strengthening a sense of belonging at SFU and beyond.”
— Erin Morantz, vice-president, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Simon Fraser University
Award Details
Each year, the Aideen McKenna pflag Canada Leadership Award will be granted to at least one full-time SFU undergraduate student who:
- Is in good academic standing;
- Is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any faculty at SFU; and
- Has made outstanding contributions through exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice within the 2SLGBTQIA+ population, either at SFU or in the broader community.
Applications are adjudicated by SFU’s Senate Undergraduate Awards Adjudication Committee and administered by the Office of Financial Aid and Awards. The award will be granted annually beginning in 2026.
About pflag Canada
pflag Canada is a national charitable organization founded by parents who needed help learning how to accept and support their 2SLGBTQIA+ children. Today, pflag Canada is dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and those who love them, with chapters and members across the country.
About Simon Fraser University
SFU is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Over the past 60 years, SFU has been recognized among the top universities worldwide in providing a world-class education and working with communities and partners to develop and share knowledge for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. Committed to excellence in everything we do, SFU fosters innovation to address global challenges and continues to build a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. With campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver—SFU has ten faculties that deliver 368 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs for more than 37,000 students each year. The university boasts more than 200,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.
Media Contact:
Email: mediarequests@pflagcanada.ca